As the global plastic pollution crisis intensifies, the development of sustainable food packaging materials has become a priority. Starch-based films present a viable, biodegradable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics but face challenges such as poor moisture resistance and mechanical fragility. This review comprehensively examines state-of-the-art advancements in starch-based packaging, including polymer modifications, bio-nanocomposite incorporation, and innovative processing techniques that enhance functionality. Furthermore, the role of advanced analytical tools in elucidating the structure–performance relationships of starch films is highlighted. In particular, we provide an in-depth exploration of advanced characterization techniques, not only to assess starch-based food packaging but also to monitor starch retrogradation, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and iodine binding (Blue Value). We also explore cutting-edge developments in active and intelligent packaging, where starch films are functionalized with bioactive compounds for antimicrobial protection and freshness monitoring. While substantial progress has been made, critical challenges remain in upscaling these technologies for industrial production. This review provides a roadmap for future research and the industrial adoption of starch-derived packaging solutions.

This review delves into environmentally conscious sustainable packaging materials, focusing on biodegradable polymers and innovative surface modification methodologies. Synthetic plastics have revolutionized various industries due to their physical attributes and affordability, particularly in packaging applications. Nonetheless, the substantial volume of plastic waste, especially from non-biodegradable sources, has provoked heightened environmental apprehensions. Notably, polymers derived from natural sources, such as cellulose, are classified as biopolymers and esteemed for their ecological benevolence. Among these, cellulose and its derivatives stand out as renewable and abundant substances, holding promise for sustainable packaging solutions. Nano-sized cellulose fibers’ incorporation into biodegradable films garners interest due to their remarkable surface area, robust mechanical strength, and other commendable properties. Surface modification techniques, such as a polydopamine (PDA) coating, have been explored to improve the dispersion, interfacial compatibility, and mechanical performance of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) when incorporated into biodegradable polymer films. In this sense, PDA, derived from mussel proteins’ dopamine component, displays exceptional adhesion to diverse surfaces and has been extensively scrutinized for its distinctive attributes. Therefore, the core focus of this review was to approach ecologically friendly packaging materials, specifically investigating the synergy between CNC and PDA. The unparalleled adhesive characteristics of PDA serve as a catalyst for enhancing CNC, thereby elevating the performance of biodegradable polymers with potential implications across various domains.

The production of sustainable food packaging from renewable sources represents a prominent alternative to the use of petrochemical-based plastics. For example, starch remains one of the most studied replacement options due to its wide availability, low cost, and significant advances in improving packaging properties. In this context, nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties as additives play a key role in manufacturing renewable active packaging with superior performance. In this review, a comprehensive summary is provided on the research papers that addresses strategies for using active packaging, using starch as a sustainable polymer, and antimicrobial nanoparticles to extend the lifespan of foods. After a brief introduction to the fundamental concepts related to starch and biodegradable and active packaging, details are presented about the latest advances in nanotechnology, which can minimize the impact on the organoleptic properties of food products, as well as an increase in bioactivity, due to the size in nanometric scale to improve the diffusion of active compounds in the matrix of starch-based active film.

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were extracted from the peel of Solanum lycocarpum (wolf fruit) using sulfuric acid hydrolysis at concentrations of 0.1%, 1%, and 10%. These nanofibers were incorporated into starch-based films produced via casting, and the resulting materials were analyzed for their structural, mechanical, thermal, and optical characteristics. The addition of CNFs led to significant enhancements in tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and opacity, along with a reduction in moisture content. Among the formulations, the film reinforced with CNFs from the 0.1% acid treatment exhibited the best mechanical performance (tensile strength = 7.45 MPa; Young’s modulus = 471.57 MPa), attributed to improved nanofiber dispersion and stronger interactions within the starch matrix. In contrast, nanofibers obtained using higher acid concentrations (1% and 10%) showed partial structural degradation, resulting in nanocomposites with reduced tensile strength compared to F0.1—likely due to reduced hydrogen bonding between CNFs and starch chains. Additionally, the use of 0.1% H ₂ SO ₄ is favorable in terms of environmental and cost considerations, reducing both reagent usage and energy demand during processing. Overall, the study demonstrates the feasibility of producing fully bio-based nanocomposites by utilizing both starch and cellulose nanofibers derived from the same fruit, offering a sustainable solution for biodegradable packaging applications.